Legal Secretary

JOB CODE: 2042

PAY GRADE: 1160

SALARY RANGE: $32,215 - $54,842

LOCATION OF WORK
Various City-Parish Departments

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of a City Court Judge, Court Administrator, or an Attorney(s), performs secretarial work of a complex nature that includes typing and handling papers and correspondence of legal nature, such as warrants, summonses, complaints, indictments, motions, subpoenas, and papers for filing and serving. Employees of this classification should be familiar with legal terminology, legal format, and legal forms. Independent judgment is exercised in the performance of assigned duties and incumbents are sometimes required to assist higher level employees in the courtroom or office. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Performs secretarial work of a complex nature which includes typing and handling papers and correspondence of a legal nature, such as warrants, summonses, complaints, indictments, motions, subpoenas, and papers for filing and serving. Acts as secretary to a judge or attorney(s); supervises the operation of the office and all related duties including preparation of correspondence, filing, ordering supplies, and answering and screening incoming telephone calls. May prepare and type legal documents including ordinances, resolutions, judgments, notices, verbatim court transcripts, commitments, case appeals, orders and other court ordered actions; maintains related statistical reports; issues and recalls bench warrants as ordered by the Court. May prepare Orders of Protection for a Judge's signature, forwarding to the Clerk for transmission to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR). May prepare and process paperwork for sanity commission orders and public defender conflict cases. Makes a verbatim record of court proceedings on PC based digital recording system; arranges for the production of and prepares written transcripts; prepares case records to be lodged with the Appellate Court; catalogues CD tapes, recordings, and log notes and maintains their storage. May prepare court dockets by assigning court dates, maintaining the docket calendar and records; obtains records prior to court and prepares necessary documents for court docket. May review law journals and other legal publications to identify court decisions pertinent to pending cases and submit articles to company officials. May train law clerks and other court personnel who work in the courtroom. Composes and prepares budget supplements and routine correspondence; proofreads legal documents. Arranges appointments and meetings. Answers telephone calls, provides information and accurately handles and receives information; processes public records requests. Establishes and maintains a variety of files and records. Takes and transcribes notes and dictation. May maintain a calendar for the Judge or attorney(s) and assures that complete information is available for all matters. May do accounting and billing work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of legal terminology and legal format. Knowledge of court procedures and processes. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and clerical techniques. Skill in the operation and care of modern office equipment such as computer terminals and associated equipment. Ability to make responsible decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Ability to accurately record court proceedings at a reasonable rate of speed. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, and the general public. Ability to type 50 words per minute. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS